Savor the rich, caramelized pork belly in Thit Kho, a comforting Vietnamese classic with deep, savory flavors.

Table of Contents

What is Thit Kho?

Thit Kho is a beloved Vietnamese braised pork dish that combines tender pork belly and hard-boiled eggs, slow-cooked in a rich coconut caramel sauce. This traditional Vietnamese dish is known for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a staple in Vietnamese comfort food.

Where it is from: Thit Kho originates from Vietnam, particularly popular in Southern Vietnamese cuisine. It’s often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.

How to Make It: Making Thit Kho involves braising pork belly in a coconut-flavored broth with caramelized sugar, fish sauce, and hard-boiled eggs. The slow-cooking process ensures the pork becomes tender, while the eggs absorb the rich, flavorful broth, creating a sweet and savory pork dish that’s simply irresistible.

Thit Kho (Vietnamese Braised Pork with Eggs)

Ingredients

Pork Belly: The star of this dish, pork belly, is prized for its layers of meat and fat, which become incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. This cut absorbs the caramelized sugar and coconut water, resulting in that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Quail Eggs or Chicken Eggs: These hard-boiled eggs are simmered in the braising liquid, soaking up all the sweet and savory goodness. They add a satisfying texture and make the dish even more comforting.
Spring Onion, Thinly Sliced: Spring onions are added at the end to provide a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich caramelized pork. They also add a pop of color, making the dish more visually appealing.
Coconut Soda or Coconut Water: This is the secret to the dish’s subtle sweetness. Coconut water adds a natural sweetness that complements the rich broth, while coconut soda can be used as an alternative for an even sweeter finish.
Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and start the caramelization process, vegetable oil helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and creates a beautiful, shiny finish on the pork.
Garlic Cloves, Minced: Garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish, enhancing the savory notes of the braised pork and balancing the sweetness of the coconut caramel sauce.

Sauce

Brown Sugar: Essential for creating the caramelized sugar that gives Thit Kho its signature color and rich flavor. It provides a sweet base that balances the saltiness of the other ingredients.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a layer of umami to the dish, enhancing the richness of the pork belly. It deepens the flavor profile, making the dish more complex and satisfying.
Fish Sauce: This is the backbone of Vietnamese home cooking. Fish sauce brings a salty, umami punch that perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramelized sugar and the richness of the braised pork belly.

Ground Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and spice, cutting through the richness of the pork and balancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Chicken Bouillon Powder: This enhances the savory flavor of the broth, making the dish even more comforting and rich. It’s like a flavor booster that intensifies the taste of the slow-cooked pork.
YumYum or MSG: Optional but often used for an extra umami kick. It enhances the overall depth of flavor, making the dish more savory and satisfying.

Steps

Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken eggs, boil and peel them; if using quail eggs, simply drain the can.
Heat a wok over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until it melts and turns a deep amber color, forming a caramel base.

Cut pork belly pieces in a wok with a metal ladle in motion

Caramelizing sugar in a wok before adding the pork belly.

Immediately add the pork belly to the caramel, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Cook for about 5 minutes until the pork is browned on all sides.
Push the pork to one side of the wok. Add the vegetable oil, spring onion and minced garlic to the other side. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then mix it with the pork.

Browned pork belly pieces mixed with sautéed garlic and onions in a wok

Pork belly cooking in a caramelized sauce with coconut soda being added

Pour in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, ground black pepper, chicken bouillon powder, and YumYum (or MSG). Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Pour in the coconut soda or coconut water, and add the quail or chicken eggs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the wok and let the pork simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

Coconut soda being poured over caramelized pork belly in a wok

Simmering pork belly with quail eggs in a caramelized sauce

Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
Serve the Thịt Kho hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Vietnamese dish!

Tips for Making Thit Kho

Choose the Right Cut of Pork: The best cut for Thit Kho is pork belly because of its perfect balance of fat and meat. The fat melts during the slow-cooking process, infusing the meat with flavor and keeping it tender. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use pork shoulder, but remember that it won’t be as juicy as pork belly.
Marinating Techniques: Marinating the pork belly before cooking is key to infusing it with flavor. Let the pork sit in a mixture of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures that the caramelized pork will be deeply flavored, making each bite a burst of Vietnamese comfort food.

Cooking with Coconut Water: Using coconut water or coconut soda instead of plain water adds a subtle sweetness that’s essential for achieving the authentic flavor of Thit Kho. The coconut-flavored broth enhances the richness of the dish and helps to tenderize the meat, creating that signature sweet and savory pork taste.
Achieving the Perfect Caramelization: The caramelization step is crucial for that deep, rich flavor. Slowly cook the brown sugar until it turns a deep amber color before adding the pork belly. This step gives the dish its beautiful color and a complex, slightly bitter-sweet note that balances the richness of the braised pork.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Pairing with Traditional Vietnamese Sides: Thit Kho is best enjoyed with a side of sticky rice or jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the rich coconut-flavored broth, making each bite incredibly satisfying. You can also pair it with pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory pork. For an authentic Vietnamese experience, serve it with a side of Nuoc Mau (Vietnamese caramel sauce) for extra flavor.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, Thit Kho stores well in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors. It can last for up to five days, making it a great option for meal prep. The flavors often deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Reheating Tips: To reheat Thit Kho, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of coconut water or coconut soda to refresh the rich broth and prevent it from drying out. The braised pork and hard-boiled eggs will regain their tenderness, making it taste just as good as when it was first cooked.

Finished Thịt Kho, topped with chopped green onions, ready to be served.

Variations of Thit Kho

Regional Variations: In Vietnam, the preparation of Thit Kho can vary depending on the region. In Southern Vietnam, it’s common to use coconut water to add sweetness, creating a rich coconut caramel sauce. Northern versions might be less sweet and more savory, focusing on the deep, umami flavors of fish sauce and soy sauce. Each region’s version offers a unique take on the classic Vietnamese braised pork.
Alternative Protein Options: While pork belly is traditional, you can experiment with different proteins. Chicken thighs or pork shoulder are good substitutes if you prefer a leaner option. For a lighter version, you can even use tofu or fish, which absorb the flavors of the braising liquid beautifully. These alternatives still capture the essence of sweet and savory pork, just with a twist.
Adjusting Sweetness Levels: Depending on your preference, you can tweak the sweetness of the dish. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar or use coconut soda instead of coconut water. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar and focus on the savory elements like soy sauce and fish sauce. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking while still enjoying its comforting flavors.

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Thit Kho (Vietnamese Braised Pork with Eggs)

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Savor the rich, caramelized pork belly in Thit Kho, a comforting Vietnamese classic with deep, savory flavors.

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 3 servings 1x